Australians are still waiting to find out who will lead the country, after Saturday’s federal election proved too close to call. That hasn’t stopped Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and Labor leader Bill Shorten from claiming victory.

CCTV America’s Greg Navarro gave us this report.

Australian election too close to call

Australians are still waiting to find out who will lead the country, after Saturday's federal election proved too close to call. That hasn't stopped Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, and Labor leader Bill Shorten from claiming victory.
CCTV America’s Greg Navarro gave us this report.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull confidently walked to the stage on election night with an optimistic message for supporters:

“Tonight my friends, I can report that based on the advice I have from the party officials, we can have every confidence that we will form a coalition majority government in the next Parliament,” he said.

“Friends! We will not know the outcome of this election tonight,” Shorten said. “But there is one thing for sure – the Labor Party is back.”

Hours after the polls closed in the longest campaign here in half a century – the race for Prime Minister remained too close to call.

So instead of claiming an outright victory – or conceding defeat – the candidates continued their attacks on each other.

For Malcolm Turnbull, the decision to call an early election was a huge political gamble.

He also dissolved both houses of parliament in the hopes of gaining more support in the house and senate.

But as the initial votes were counted, it was clear that Turnbull lost some of that support. Minor party candidates claimed early victories in the house and senate – creating the increased likelihood of a hung parliament.”

It’s still unclear why the vote was closer than first expected.

Political analysts say one reason is Shorten’s transformation into a stronger candidate in an election focused squarely on the economy.

Vote counting is expected to resume on Monday and election officials don’t expect to have the final results until at least Tuesday – if not longer.

Privacy Settings

This site uses functional cookies and external scripts to improve your experience. Which cookies and scripts are used and how they impact your visit is specified on the left. You may change your settings at any time. Your choices will not impact your visit.

NOTE: These settings will only apply to the browser and device you are currently using.